Lightweight Kayak For Seniors – “Wave” Goodbye To Heavy Boats

If you’re looking for a lightweight kayak for seniors then you’ve come to the right place.

Kayaking is a fun and relaxing sport that has no age limit. You just need to find the right kayak for your adventures. 

After hours of research, I’ve whittled it down to my favorite lightweight kayaks that are easy to carry, easy to get into (and out of), and easy to paddle.

Get ready to hit the water and discover the great outdoors in this guide to buying lightweight kayaks.

Can’t wait to get out there? My top pick is the Sea Eagle SE330. It weighs only 26 pounds, it’s easy to paddle, and can be transported in the backseat of your car.

> Best lightweight kayaks for all paddlers 

Top 11 Best Lightweight Kayaks For Seniors Reviewed

1: Sea Eagle SE330 (best overall)

• Length: 11 foot 2 inches
• Width: 34 inches
• Depth: 10 inches (tube diameter)
• Weight: 26 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds

The Sea Eagle SE330 is one of the lightest kayaks on the market and it’s one of the easiest to use. It’s stable, making it ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a relaxing paddle across lakes and along slow-moving rivers, or a calm coastal bay.

This inflatable recreational kayak can handle flatwater and mild rough water, being rated for up to Class III whitewater. It’s also easy to transport in your car. 

This is the best inflatable kayak and the best lightweight kayak for seniors, in my opinion, and has multiple air chambers for safety, as well as an inflatable seat.

It’s easy to get in and out of and there’s a package option with an electric pump to make it easier to inflate. A foot pump is included as standard.

This is a very durable kayak and can be a great choice if you want to bring your dog along. There’s plenty of room for a solo paddler with a dog.

There’s also the option to add a second seat to use this as a tandem. However, I don’t recommend it for two adults, as it’s not the most spacious in terms of legroom.

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Compact for transportation and storage
• Stable

Cons

• Not great for two paddlers

2: Eddyline Sky 10 (best sit-inside)

• Length: 10 foot
• Width: 26 inches
• Depth: 13 inches
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

The Eddyline Sky 10 is a recreational sit-inside kayak that’s crafted for flatwater paddling. This is a compact and lightweight kayak that’s designed to be easy to maneuver both on the water and off. 

The large cockpit makes entering and exiting easier compared to the tight cockpits on touring kayaks. This is not a touring kayak but it has the sleek performance of a touring kayak, with excellent tracking and glide. 

It has a slight V-shaped hull for added performance. However, this might make it feel a little tippy for complete beginners. I recommend this kayak for seniors who have had a little paddling experience. 

There’s storage space in the front and rear hatches. There are also deck bungees for additional items. 

The foam seat is slightly elevated off the floor, with an adjustable backrest for improved comfort and support. There are also adjustable footrests but if you have very long legs, these may not extend far enough. 

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to paddle
• Large cockpit

Cons

• Not for complete beginners
• Not the best for very tall paddlers

3: Eddyline Caribbean 10 (best sit-on-top)

• Length: 10 foot
• Width: 29 inches
• Weight: 39 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 200 pounds

The Eddyline Caribbean 10 is a lightweight sit-on-top kayak that’s easy to car-top and carry to the water. It has front and rear carry handles, as well as side carry handles.

The spacious open deck makes getting in and out a breeze. 

A great feature of this lightweight kayak is the seating area. The padded seat with a backrest is positioned on top of an elevated, molded seat. This lets you sit more comfortably on the kayak with your knees bent, which can also make it easier to stand up for getting out.

This has great storage for a sit-on-top kayak, with a cargo deck to store a dry bag or a cooler. There’s also a bow hatch providing storage below the deck. A small rear hatch gives you access to the hull for installing accessories. 

You’ll also find an accessory track in front of the seat. 

However, this is not a cheap sit-on-top kayak.

Pros

• Easy to car-top
• Easy to get in and out of
• Elevated seat

Cons

• Expensive

4: Oru Kayak Inlet (best folding kayak)

• Length: 9 foot 8 inches
• Width: 31 inches
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

The Oru Kayak Inlet is a smaller, lighter, and more convenient folding kayak than some of the other Oru kayaks. This one has a more open cockpit, similar to sit-on-top kayaks, so there’s more space for getting in and out. This is the most lightweight kayak on the list.

There’s also room to bring along a small dog, as long as your combined weight is still within the maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds.

This is a recreational folding kayak that’s built for flatwater only. I don’t recommend using this in windy conditions or areas with waves or rough water.

This is quick and easy to set up but it can take a bit of trial and error before you get the hang of it. 

With its short hull, this kayak is easy to maneuver and can be a great choice for smaller bodies of water. 

Ease of transportation is a key feature of this kayak. It can be packed up and carried on public transportation or loaded into the trunk of your car without a second thought.

Pros

• Extremely portable
• Very lightweight
• Easy to paddle 
• Oversized cockpit

Cons

• Not for rough water

5: Aquaglide Chelan 155 (best tandem kayak)

• Length: 15 foot 1 inch
• Width: 36 inches
• Depth: 11.5 inches
• Weight: 38 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 600 pounds

The Aquaglide Chelan 155 is one of the lightest tandem kayaks on the market that doesn’t sacrifice space or comfort, making it the best kayak for two people. 

This inflatable kayak has plenty of space for two paddlers plus room for gear, making it a great choice if you want to head out on an overnight trip. There are lots of webbing loops and D-rings for attaching gear and it has a generous maximum weight capacity.

One of the best features of this kayak is the drop-stitch floor. This provides added stability, allowing you to stand up on deck, which can make getting in and out a lot easier. The drop-stitch construction also provides excellent performance, for improved speed and glide. There’s also a removable skeg for tracking performance.

This is a durable inflatable kayak that can handle dogs’ paws and occasional bumps on rocks and logs. 

It comes with two inflatable, padded seats that allow you to sit off the floor for added comfort. A downside is that a pump is not included.

This kayak is easy for two people to carry when inflated, with molded carry handles at the bow and stern. 

Pros

• Spacious
• Great for overnight trips

Cons

• Pump not included

6: Aquaglide Deschutes 130 (best for touring)

• Length: 13 foot
• Width: 37.5 inches
• Depth: 10.5 inches
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

The Aquaglide Deschutes 130 is an inflatable kayak that’s designed for flatwater touring. It’s long, providing extra space for gear as well as a longer waterline for speed over lakes and large rivers

This is a lightweight kayak that’s easy to carry in the included backpack. However, a pump is not included.

It’s a wide, stable kayak that can be ideal for beginners as well as those looking for a little extra paddling performance. With a solid EVA-covered floor, this offers a lower center of gravity, for added stability. 

The splash guards at the bow and stern help to keep water out of your boat and provide a covered spot to store gear. You’ll also find bungee rigging and D-rings to secure gear to the deck.

The seat is padded and breathable for comfort on warm days and there’s a footrest to provide support for your legs. 

Pros

• Portable kayak
• Stable
• Great for overnight trips

Cons

• Pump not included

7. Sea Eagle 350FX (best for fishing)

• Length: 11 foot 6 inches
• Width: 39 inches
• Depth: 11.5 inches (tube diameter)
• Weight: 50 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 575 pounds

The Sea Eagle 350FX is a fishing kayak with a lot of space for gear. It’s not the lightest kayak on the list but fishing kayaks are notoriously heavy. 

This one is inflatable so it can be a little easier to carry and store compared to a traditional fishing kayak. It’s also much lighter than hardshell fishing kayaks of a comparable size. However, it’s not the easiest to carry on your own if you’re a distance from the water.

This is an extremely stable kayak with a wide hull and drop-stitch technology on the floor. This means it’s stable enough for standing while kayak fishing and offers freedom of movement while you’re on deck. It’s also rated for all waters (up to Class IV rapids) for added versatility.

There are fishing rod holders at the bow and stern, plus storage for tools and other tackle. There are various packages to choose from depending on your needs. All packages include a pump, a carry bag, and a paddle. 

One of the options includes a swivel seat, which can be ideal if you’re after a comfortable kayak for all-day fishing. 

Pros

• Fishing rod holders
• Very stable
• Great for all waters

Cons

• Not the easiest to carry alone

8: Pelican Sentinel 100X (best budget) 

• Length: 9 foot 6 inches
• Width: 30 inches
• Depth: 11 inches
• Weight: 42 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

The Pelican Sentinel 100X is an affordable kayak that’s ideal for beginners and seniors on a budget. It can be an excellent starter kayak thanks to its high level of stability on flat water. 

This is a sit-on-top kayak with a spacious seating area with a wider and taller-than-average backrest for extra support compared to other kayaks. 

The Sentinel 100X has a twin-arched multi-chine hull that is designed for optimum stability. This means it can feel less tippy to new paddlers.

The flat deck features non-slip padding and is perfect if you want to bring your furry friend along for the ride.  

There are molded footrests to support your legs and accommodate paddlers of all sizes. However, the seat is basically flat on the deck, which might not be the most comfortable or the easiest seat to get out of.

A great feature of this lightweight kayak is the Exoshell removable storage compartment. This lets you keep gear safe and dry and you can easily carry the compartment from your car or to your picnic site.

Pros

• Roomy seating area
• Great for beginners
• Dog friendly

Cons

• Seat is not elevated

9: Oru Kayak Beach LT 

• Length: 12 foot
• Width: 28 inches
• Weight: 25 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

The Oru Kayak Beach LT is a folding kayak that’s easy to carry and store, whether you live in an apartment or condo, or you want to travel on public transportation.

This lightweight kayak folds easily and can be quick to set up when at the water’s edge. Unlike an inflatable kayak, this doesn’t require a pump, which can be more convenient when you’re looking for lightweight kayaks.

This is a sit-in kayak but it has a large cockpit so it’s less awkward to get in and out of if you’re not used to sit-inside kayaks.

This Oru kayak is designed for flatwater paddling, so it’s ideal for calm bays and lakes. It’s not designed for rough water. 

It has a padded seat with an adjustable backrest. However, this does not have the most comfortable seat as far as lightweight kayaks go. 

Pros

• Ideal for apartments/condos
• Large cockpit
• Easy to carry

Cons

• Seat isn’t great

10: Sea Eagle 473RL 

• Length: 15 foot 6 inches
• Width: 30 inches
• Depth: 10 inches
• Weight: 45 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 750 pounds

It’s also faster than the average inflatable kayak, with a top speed of 6 mph.

Because of the drop-stitch technology in all three chambers, the space on the deck is maximized, providing plenty of room for two adults plus camping gear or a dog.

It’s not the easiest to carry if you’re on your own compared to other lightweight kayaks, especially if you have to travel a long distance to the water. However, it does come with a backpack carry bag. 

You might find it’s easier for two people to carry when it’s inflated.

This is not the best choice for beginners, as it’s pretty narrow compared to some of the others, so it may not feel as stable as the wider options.

Pros

• Great for touring
• Fast and efficient hull

Cons

• Not the easiest to carry in the included backpack
• Not ideal for beginners

11: Pelican Argo 100X

• Length: 10 foot
• Width: 28 inches
• Depth: 14 inches
• Weight: 36 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

The Pelican Argo 100X is a lightweight, budget-friendly kayak. This can be ideal for seniors looking for an entry-level kayak. 

This is a stable little kayak that’s easy to maneuver and great for recreational kayaking on lakes and slow-moving rivers. 

The oversized cockpit offers extra room for getting in and out safely and easily. The lightweight hull can also be easily car-topped and carried to the water.

The seat has a padded seat cushion and a separate padded backrest. The seat is not the most comfortable but this is built for ease of use and affordability rather than comfort. However, there are molded footrests to help with stability and posture.

There’s a mesh-covered storage deck at the rear and a small hatch at the bow for storing essentials. You’ll also find a bungee cord at the bow that can double as a paddle holder.

Pros

• Affordable
• Beginner-friendly
• Oversized cockpit

Cons

• Not the most comfortable seat

What Makes A Good Kayak For An Older Adult?

Ease Of Transportation

If you’re going to be kayaking alone, you’re going to need to be able to transport the kayak easily on your own. If you plan to paddle with a partner, the kayak should be convenient for both of you to carry together. 

Video: How To Carry A Kayak

Inflatable kayaks and folding kayaks will generally be easier to transport on your own than hard-shell kayaks. These types of kayaks can usually be packed into a suitcase-sized bag and can be loaded into the trunk of your car or on the backseat, unlike rigid kayaks. 

Lightweight kayaks, such as folding and inflatable kayaks, don’t require you to lift heavy boats above your head, for example, to load kayaks onto a roof rack. This means you don’t have to strain your back or knees while lifting lightweight kayaks. 

Find out more about how to carry a kayak.

However, not all inflatable kayaks are lightweight and easy to carry, though they are generally lighter and easier to carry than traditional hardshell kayaks. 

It can also be a good idea to invest in a lightweight paddle as some paddles can be heavy and can add to the kayak’s weight if you’re carrying the entire load to the water on your own.

Check out the best kayak paddles here. The best ones are often made with carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight.

In terms of rigid kayaks, the more compact the kayak, the easier it will usually be to car-top by yourself and carry to the water’s edge. Longer kayaks can be trickier to maneuver on land (as well as on the water).

However, you can always get kayak loaders to help you load heavier kayaks onto your car roof rack.

Stability On The Water

Initial stability can be a key feature to look for as an older adult choosing a kayak. A kayak with a good degree of primary stability can provide a little more reassurance on the water, as it will generally feel less tippy than a kayak with a high level of secondary stability.

A twin-arched, pontoon, or flat hull can be ideal for providing a good level of stability for flatwater paddling. This can help you to feel more balanced in the kayak and can make it less rocky when you’re climbing in and out. 

Kayak hull designs vary depending on the intended purpose of the kayak.

Some inflatable kayaks have floors with drop-stitch technology, providing a rigid platform for superior performance and stability. These types of floors are similar to paddle boards, offering enough stability to stand up in most cases.

Find out how to get in and out of an inflatable kayak.

Simplicity Of Entering And Exiting

One of the main things you should look for in a kayak as an older adult is how easy it is to get in and out of the kayak. 

Kayaks are not the easiest boats to get into (or out of) so you want to make the process as slick as possible. A sit-on-top kayak will typically be easier to get in and out of than a sit-inside kayak. 

The open deck provides more space to maneuver yourself into the seat and has a less-confined feel once you’re seated. This also gives you the freedom to bend and extend your legs a little more than a sit-in cockpit.

However, some sit-in kayaks have large cockpits. These are usually recreational kayaks and can be much easier to get in and out of compared to most sea kayaks, for example. 

Video: Entering And Exiting A Kayak

Comfortable Seating 

A kayak seat with an adjustable backrest can be more comfortable since you can tailor the level of support or recline to suit your paddling style and posture. 

Check out some of the best kayak seats with back support.

One of the main things to look for in a kayak seat is how easy it is to sit down and stand up. For example, kayak seats that let you sit slightly above the deck can be more convenient for lowering yourself and getting back up.

An elevated seat can also let you sit in a more natural sitting position, with your knees slightly bent. This can prevent knee pain that can occur from being seated with your legs outstretched for a long period. 

Check out our guide for kayaking with bad knees.

Kayaks For Seniors: Common Questions

What Is The Easiest Kayak To Get In And Out Of?

Sit-on-top kayaks can be the easiest kayaks for getting in and out of. These kayaks don’t have an enclosed cockpit, so you tend to have more freedom of movement when it comes to entering and exiting the deck. 

You don’t need to slide yourself into a cockpit on sit-on-top kayaks.

Is It Better To Have A Short Or Long Kayak?

A short kayak can be easier to maneuver on the water, such as in narrow rivers and smaller bodies of water. You may also find it’s easier to control shorter boats. Short kayaks can also be easier to lift onto a roof rack on your own and carry in general.

A long kayak can offer increased speed over the water as well as additional space for gear. A long kayak can be great for multi-day tours and sea kayaking. However, these boats can be trickier to maneuver both on the water and on land.

How Much Does An Average Kayak Weigh And What Is Considered A Light Kayak?

An average recreational kayak weighs around 50 to 60 pounds. Some weigh less than this and some weigh more. The best fishing kayaks weigh significantly more than this and can weigh as much as 152 pounds for a motorized one.

The best lightweight kayaks, in my opinion, are the ones that weigh less than 50 pounds. However, I understand that 50 pounds is still pretty heavy when you have to carry it. Kayaks under 25 pounds would be considered extremely lightweight.

Find out how much a kayak weighs.

Final Words

The top lightweight kayak for older adults is the Sea Eagle SE330. This is an incredibly lightweight boat that’s easy to carry to and from the water. It can be transported in any car and can be easily stored in a closet at home. It’s also easy to get in and out of and it has the stability to handle all of your recreational adventures. 

An excellent runner-up is the Eddyline Sky 10. Unlike many other sit-in kayaks, this has a large cockpit for easy entry and an adjustable seat for posture and support. It’s also easy to maneuver and offers fantastic performance for such a compact kayak.

Getting older doesn’t mean you need to stop having awesome adventures. However, it might mean you have to adapt your equipment to suit those adventures.

The best lightweight kayaks can give you the freedom to explore the wilderness on your own without having to haul a heavy boat at the expense of your muscles. 

Remember, the best kayak for one person may not be the best kayak for you. It’s important to make sure the kayak suits your needs, intended activity, and comfort level.

If you’ve found the perfect lightweight kayaks and we haven’t included them let us know.